Finding the right words can be tricky at times. Even though someone indeed may be in your thoughts and prayers, that phrase tends to be overused, and because of that has lost some of its sincerity. If you sign a group card or comment on social media with the same phrase that everyone else uses, your message may be overlooked by the recipient.
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Jump ahead to these sections:
How to Say ‘Wishing You Good Health and Happiness’ on Someone’s Birthday
How to Say ‘Wishing You Good Health and Happiness’ When Someone’s Sick
How to Say ‘Wishing You Good Health and Happiness’ to Someone Who Lost a Loved One
How to Say ‘Wishing You Good Health and Happiness’ in a Professional Email
Here are some alternative ways to wish someone good health and happiness. Some can be used on happy occasions, such as someone’s birthday. We will also give you messages of good wishes to use when someone is sick or in mourning. Finally, we will also offer you a friendly way to begin or end a professional email.
Before you write anything, try to put yourself in the shoes of the recipient. Knowing what you know about the person, how would he or she react to your words?
How to Say ‘Wishing You Good Health and Happiness’ on Someone’s Birthday
Example of how to wish someone good health and happiness on their birthday over an image of party decorations
The way you wish someone a happy birthday depends upon what type of relationship you have with the person. Some of these examples could be used in a professional or semi-formal setting, while others would be more appropriate wishes for friends or relatives.
You could always make your message pop with a special card, gift card, or by including an image or gif to say, “Wishing you good health and happiness.”
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1. “Best wishes on your birthday!”
This brief, friendly statement tells the birthday person that you’re thinking of him or her. It’s somewhat formal and makes an excellent alternative to “Happy birthday!”
2. “Happy YOU day!”
Your friend may appreciate receiving a good wish that does not involve a reminder of age. This message makes no mention of the B-word. Instead of thinking about aging, your friend can simply eat cake.
3. “We wish we could be there to celebrate with you on your special day! I hope you have a fun-filled, happy day!”
Does distance separate you from your friend? Share well wishes from afar and tell your friend that you wish that you could be together. You may also direct her to have a piece of cake (or glass of wine) on your behalf.
4. “I hope this is your best year ever! Happy birthday, friend!”
This message would be an appropriate greeting to give to someone who has struggled in recent years. Sometimes people feel that either New Year’s Day or their birthdays are their chances to start fresh with good choices and positive attitudes.
5. “May all your dreams come true this year! Happy birthday!”
Although this has the feel of a birthday greeting you might receive from a Disney princess, it is still a nice way to send well wishes to a friend with a birthday.
How to Say ‘Wishing You Good Health and Happiness’ When Someone’s Sick
Are you looking for appropriate get well wishes for a friend or family member when that person is fighting a severe illness? If you are flippant with your wishes, it shows that you may not be aware of the gravity of the disease. On the other hand, you also want to stay positive.
Here are some messages to send along with a care package to a person who is sick.
6. “Your strength and attitude inspire me. You’ll beat this!”
It’s hard to know what to say when someone is sick. Salute the person who continues to have a positive attitude in the face of pain and adversity. Staying positive is hard to do when that person doesn’t feel well.
7. “I hope your recovery is fast! Thinking of you!”
Send a message similar to this to someone who will get better over time. This could be sent to someone who underwent a non-life-threatening surgery.
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8. “Recovery takes time, but you’ll be back to your smiling, healthy self before you know it!”
Perhaps your friend or a family member needs encouragement. It’s hard for healthy people to be stuck in bed. Remember to try not to compare your friend’s struggles with someone else’s. Everyone’s journey is different, and you may not be aware of health issues that could complicate the recovery process.
9. “I’m sending you a virtual hug and wishes of good health! Stay positive!”
Is it unsafe to visit your friend who is sick? Send a virtual hug her way. Remind your friend that positive thinking can help people recover faster.
10. “Better days are coming! Wishing you a speedy recovery and continued happiness!”
Just because someone is sick doesn’t mean unhappiness is out of reach. You may want to accompany your well wishes with a small gift for your friend, such as a vase of flowers or a houseplant.
How to Say ‘Wishing You Good Health and Happiness’ to Someone Who Lost a Loved One
Example of how to wish someone good health and happiness after losing a loved one over an image of candles
We know that you only want the best for your friend, but wishing someone happiness soon after losing a loved one may not be a good idea. Here are some alternative ways to offer sympathy to someone who lost a family member or close friend. You can also consider sending sympathy flowers if you feel at a loss for words.
Special care should be taken on what to say when someone dies unexpectedly.
11. “I hope the many happy memories you had with your loved one softens some of the pain you are feeling.”
You can’t wish someone “happy,” but you can remind your friends to remember the good times. It also isn’t prudent to wish the pain away from someone who is in mourning.
12. “I am so sorry this happened. Praying for peace for you and your entire family.”
Instead of wishing good health to the survivors, consider sending wishes of peace. Someone who feels peace may still feel sad and mournful, but those are appropriate emotions for the situation. Your friend may grieve the loss for the rest of his life.
13. “I’m here for you, and I am ready to listen when you need to talk.”
Perhaps your friend has complicated emotions that she wants to share. Allow her to tell you about her anger, sadness, and fear that she may be experiencing after the loss of her loved one.
Sometimes people try to remain upbeat and positive during sad situations. Instead, encourage your friend to keep it real.
14. “I don’t know what to say.”
Sometimes people try to come up with the perfect words to offer condolences, but you may be at a loss for words. Admit this to your friend. It may be a relief hearing it.
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15. “The world lost an amazing person too soon! Please know that I am here for you.”
If you knew the person who died, share your memories. People want to know that they aren’t the only ones missing their family members.
How to Say ‘Wishing You Good Health and Happiness’ in a Professional Email
At times, you may find it necessary to wish someone good health and happiness in a professional email. Here are some ways to do it while still maintaining a professional demeanor.
16. “I hope you and yours are well!”
It’s kind to extend well wishes to your business associate’s entire household. If you have shared personal details, you may be specific. For example, consider saying, “I hope your son’s soccer season is going well.”
17. “Take care and best wishes!”
This phrase would be the perfect way to end a professional email. It is friendly and upbeat, but still formal enough to send to someone you don’t know well.
18. “I hope your summer is off to a great start!”
(Or “week,” “school year,” or “quarter.”) Start your professional email with a similar statement, and the recipient will feel that you are friendly and personable.
19. “Stay healthy!”
During the pandemic, many people used this statement to begin or end professional emails. While you don’t have to wait for a global illness to request coworkers to stay healthy, it seems very appropriate nowadays.
20. “I hope all is well in Phoenix!”
Show your professional contact that you remember where she lives. Adding these details, especially if they aren’t relevant to the content of the email, shows that you care enough to remember where the person resides.
21. “I hope this email finds you safe, well, and happy!”
This covers all your bases. It’s a simple, concise, and positive message.
Word Choice is Crucial
When you communicate with someone in person, many things affect how you are received. Your body language, tone of voice, and eye contact change your words’ message and tone.
When you email someone (or send them a text, DM, or social media message), your word choice is crucial. The words, permanent and shareable as well, unlike a face-to-face conversation you may have.
Be careful with your words, even if you’re only using them to wish someone happiness and health.